15 Dairy-Free Dinners Everyone Will Enjoy

Whether someone at your table is lactose intolerant, has a dairy allergy — or is going dairy-free for another reason, there are plenty of delicious, indulgent recipes that skip the milk, butter and cheese. In fact, we've rounded up some of our favorites, including ideas that are naturally dairy-free — along with some vegan takes on classic dishes. Each one is chock-full of flavor and sure to calm rumbling tummies — and we bet no one will even notice they're dairy-free! (Added bonus: we've also got advice to help you figure out how to keep your calcium intake up when you're going dairy-free — and a guide to which dairy-free grocery goodies make the best substitutes.)

Ready to get cooking? We recommend starting with Ellie Krieger's simple-yet-sophisticated steak and 'shrooms meal. The title of this recipe might say 'salad,' but don't be fooled — between the protein-packed steak and the meaty portobello caps that she tosses in, this is completely filling. And, the marinade and punchy vinaigrette add flavor, no dairy needed.

Ask anyone who is dairy-free what they miss most and the answer is usually cheese. That's why it comes as no surprise that mac and cheese is high on the list of 'most-craved dishes' for anyone who can't eat dairy. At least, that was before this recipe! Our vegan version may omit the milk and cheese, but it's creamy and comforting, thanks to everyone's favorite veggie: cauliflower. Paired with nutritional yeast and vegan cheddar, it makes a silky, indulgent sauce that perfectly coats each noodle. Still unsure? Give it a go, and who knows? You might become a vegan mac and cheese stan. Anything is possible.

Why order takeout when you can make Jet Tila's version of everyone's favorite dish: beef and broccoli. Packed atop heaps of fluffy, steamed white rice (or, even better, flavorful fried rice), it's the filling dinner that's naturally dairy-free and sure to please. Trust us, you really can't go wrong tucking into a bowl of this Chinese takeout favorite, especially when it's homemade.

This deceptively simple, dairy-free delight may look (and sound) anything but, but if you can get past the concept, it's just like any other casserole. It's just...vegan! This particular version swaps tuna for some budget-friendly, plant-based proteins — namely, tofu and garbanzo beans — and leans on a creamy, luscious cashew milk to bring the creaminess of a usual cream of mushroom soup. Loaded with mini pasta shells and topped with a crust of your favorite, salty cracker, it's got all the things you've loved about a classic tuna noodle casserole, but with a couple twists along the way. Our advice? Give it a try: you'll be surprised by how satisfying it can be.

We're here to tell you that lentils don't have to be boring. In fact, when cooked properly, they take on whatever flavor is imparted to them. In that regard, this chili is loaded with so much flavor, you'll be clamoring for more, even after your first heaping bowl. It's packed with about half of the produce aisle and some powerful spices that are anything but shy, which makes for a nourishing meal. Just like a more traditional bowl of chili, garnishes are your friend here: try fresh avocado for some dairy-free creaminess or toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

Vegan Shepherd's Pie. Oh, it's a thing. No, we're not playing a trick on you. And no, there is absolutely no dairy in this dish. Seriously! Just as satisfying as the classic, the fluffy mashed potatoes are supple without any butter or milk, since they're creamer potatoes. They sit atop a flavorful filling with a shocking amount of vegetables in every bite. Pair with some basic, frozen dinner rolls if you'd like, or serve as-is, we can promise one thing: you're in for a delicious dinner. 100% dairy-free.

When you think of comfort food, what do you think of? Chicken noodle soup? Pot pie? For many of us, the list of cozy dishes also includes meatloaf: a good, old-fashioned weeknight standby. And, lucky for everyone at the table, it's easy to make without any dairy. Ina's version gets deep savory flavor from tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and fresh thyme. She uses store-bought breadcrumbs — if you're doing the same, just be sure to check the label for any hidden sources of dairy — and you've got a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal everyone will love.

This air fryer dinner takes cues from two classic Spanish tapas — gambas al ajillo and crispy patatas bravas — while keeping the process decidedly weeknight-friendly and the ingredient list completely dairy-free. We use chorizo in this dish, which typically does not include any dairy, but if you're buying a commercially pre-packaged sausage here, we recommend checking the ingredient list for anything that might not fit a dairy-free diet. This dinner might sound fancy, but it's surprisingly quick and easy to make, especially if you've got the right ingredients on hand. Best of all, it's guaranteed to transport you to the beautiful Spanish coast with the very first bite.

When you think of easy-peasy, satisfying eats, what comes to mind? For us, it's a plateful of carbs, be it your favorite pasta, a bowlful of noodles or bread of any kind. That's why we love making Jet Tila's lo mein (which he calls 'deceptively simple'). With soy and oyster sauces and a little sesame oil, it goes big on flavor, making it a dish that everyone at the table will enjoy. Don't have the right noodles on hand? Jet says it's ok to use al dente spaghetti or fettuccine in a pinch!

The difference between regular old salmon and truly memorable salmon? We've found that, often, it comes down to a glaze. It's a simple way to pack a flavorful punch with very few ingredients. And, in the case of Jet Tila's salmon, you only need a single, store-bought ingredient: Thai sweet chili sauce. That's right: just one, simple ingredient. He pairs the savory-sweet salmon with a little brown rice and, just like that, a delicious, dairy-free dinner is served.

Tyler Florence keeps things simple with these oven-roasted pulled pork sandwiches. They're slathered in heaps of cider vinegar barbecue sauce and topped with a spicy slaw you can make at home with a handful of simple ingredients. It's a marriage of classic, time-honored flavors that don't need a single bit of cheese — or anything else, really.

When you think of the best meal your mom ever made for you, what dish comes to mind? It's different for everyone, of course, but for many of us, it's something that sings of comfort and nostalgia — perhaps a Sunday dinner staple like pot roast. Good news: that memory doesn't have to be a far-off dream with Ree's perfect pot roast. And we do mean 'perfect.' It's hearty, flavorful and impossibly tender. It takes some time to make this dish, but you'll see that it's well worth the wait.

Chicken is a family favorite at mealtime for a reason: nothing satisfies like a simple chicken dinner. And we're here to show you that all you really need to make something delicious is your best skillet. Paired with cremini mushrooms and the ever-popular and oh-so-humble potato, chicken breast is transformed from a weeknight standby into an elevated, elegant dinner that needs little else (and certainly doesn't need any dairy!).

No one does dinner like Ina and, this time, she's got a simple supper up her sleeve — one you'll want to make regularly, even if your diet does include dairy. Her panko-crusted salmon is quick, easy and uses mostly pantry staples. The whole dish comes together in half an hour, making it the perfect dairy-free weeknight dinner. One crunchy bite packed with fresh salmon flavor and it's easy to see why this meal is about to become part of your regular rotation.